ADRENALINE Lake Harris lookout point BOTTOM: Trekking the Routeburn Track 038 WHERE TO STAY The Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel has luxurious, stylish rooms and friendly, accommodating staff who take the time to look after your every need. You can book with www.jetstar.com TAKE ME THERE BLACK ABYSS TOUR Tel: +64 (7) 878 6219 Buses run from Auckland to Waitomo caves from NZ$1; www.nakedbus.com FAT TYRE ADVENTURES Tel: +64 (27) 226 2822 NZONE Tel: +64 (3) 442 5867 ULTIMATE HIKES Tel: +64 (3) 450 1940 “Are you OK?” asks my NZone tandem skydive instructor, as we reach 12,000 feet. “Yeah,” I lie. At 15,000ft, he slides open the door of the plane. Shifting my feet onto the edge, with the wind blasting me, this is now very real. “Ready?” he yells into my ear. “Sure,” I say nervously. “Right then — three, two, one!” And we jump… Hurtling at 200km/h, adrenaline fl oods my nervous system and my stomach feels left behind. After a few seconds, I get used to the sensation and despite gravity being the benefactor of my impending demise, it feels less like falling and more like fl ying. After plummeting for 60 seconds, he pulls the cord and releases the parachute. Rapidly decelerating, the harness pulls hard against me, tugging me up. It’s an overwhelming relief, with the experience suddenly becoming very peaceful and the views altogether amazing. FLY JETSTAR TO: Queenstown and Dunedin NEAREST RWC STADIUMS: Rugby Park Stadium (Invercargill) and Otago Stadium (Dunedin) TREKKING THE ROUTEBURN TRACK, SOUTH ISLAND At fi rst light, we pull on our boots and hike into Fiordland National Park. Trekking, or “tramping” as it is known in NZ, is an adventure that will appeal to those looking to explore the country’s natural beauty. Our group is made up of a trio of 20-somethings and half a dozen women in their sixties. The Routeburn Track, which runs between the Hollyford and Dart Valleys at the base of the Southern Alps, attracts about 13,000 walkers each year. The hike is 40km long and can be done independently, or through one of several reputable hiking companies. Our group is led by Blake, a well-informed guide from Ultimate Hikes, who points out local birds, wildlife and waterfalls. The scenery is like something from Middle Earth, with sundappled forests, alpine basins and impressive mountains. Spearing my walking stick into the ground, I take a deep breath, smile and quicken my pace to keep up with the ladies. The next day, the wind gets up and it starts raining. Admittedly, it puts a dampener on things, but inclement weather is fairly common in Fiordland, so we grin and bear it. After a few more DAY 3–6
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